
Hidden Tokyo: A Guide to Yanesen ( Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi )

Cultural Experiences
Here in Yanesen, you’ll find a wide variety of workshops and authentic cultural experiences—from wagashi-making to ame-zaiku candy art, tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, and much more. Our role is to help you discover these opportunities and ensure the booking process is smooth and stress-free.
Our Policy: No Hidden Fees, Full Transparency
We operate with full transparency and do not charge commissions, referral fees, or any hidden costs. All booking fees and workshop costs are paid directly to the service provider. The final reservation is always made under your own name, ensuring you have a direct relationship with the provider.
You are welcome to browse the experiences below and book directly on the provider's site.
However, if you feel unsure about communication or payment, we are here to assist. We can help with arrangements—such as checking availability, making reservations on your behalf, or providing interpreter support. These support services are available for a clear, upfront service fee.
Feel free to browse the unique experiences below and choose the option that best fits your interests. We’re here to help you enjoy authentic Japanese craft and culture comfortably and confidently.
👉If you have any questions about the experiences below—big or small, please feel free to ask via our Inquiry form. This site exists so that every visitor can enjoy cultural experiences in Yanesen at their very best, and we are always happy to assist.
📌Recommendations
*Click the name of each experience below to visit its full guide page, where you'll find more information, photos, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect experience in Yanesen.
1. Wagashi & Matcha Class "sakura" - Experience Japanese Confections & Tea in Yanesen
Experience an authentic and gentle slice of Japanese culture at Wagashi & Matcha Class ”sakura”, tucked in the peaceful streets of Sendagi, Yanesen. This small-group workshop (maximum 6 participants) guides you through crafting traditional wagashi—delicate, seasonal Japanese confections—and then enjoying them with freshly whisked matcha. Sessions are taught entirely in English, with friendly instructors who explain every step clearly. In approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, you’ll create beautiful sweets shaped like flowers or nature motifs and learn a simple, relaxing way to prepare matcha. It’s a wonderful way to go beyond sightseeing, allowing you to create the flavors of Japan with your own hands.
□Workshop Overview & Pricing:
The Short Experience Class lets you shape two types of seasonal wagashi (Japanese confections), whisk a bowl of matcha, and enjoy tea time—all in approximately 1.5 hours for ¥4,000 (tax not included). For a deeper immersion, the Four-Seasons Nerikiri Class guides you through crafting four different types of nerikiri sweets plus matcha tea, over approximately 3 hours for ¥8,700 (tax not included). Check the official website for full details.
💡Tip: Classes tend to fill up early—if you see a date you like, book ahead via the official website. And don’t forget to bring an appetite: you’ll not only enjoy your creations but also take home your handmade wagashi. 🍵
📍Address: L'espoir Sendagi 307, 3-38-9 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map >
⏰Opening hours: 10am–5pm, closed Mon, Tue. Classes may subject to change depending on the course.
2. Amezaiku Yoshihara - Traditional Japanese Candy Craft Experience
Step into a world of delicate artistry at Amezaiku Yoshihara, tucked away in Yanesen's vibrant neighborhood. This hands-on class lets you try your hand at making traditional Japanese sugar sculptures—colorful flowers, animals, and whimsical shapes—under the guidance of skilled artisans. While the primary instruction is in Japanese, English-speaking visitors are provided with detailed explanatory sheets and accommodated by friendly staff. Perfect for travelers who want a unique souvenir or a memorable cultural experience. Since the class size is small, reservations are required in advance. 🍬Create a unique, sweet piece of Japan to take home.
□Workshop Overview & Pricing:
In this 50-minute hands-on session, you’ll craft 2–3 delicate candy sculptures to take home, with the experience priced at around ¥3,000 per person (tax not included). Check the official website for full details.
💡Tip: Book early—especially on weekends—to secure your spot. And please be aware that the process involves handling powdered sugar; wear clothing you don't mind getting lightly dusted.
📍Address: Tomoe Bldg 1F, 1-23-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map >
⏰Opening hours: Varies (Please check the official website for details)
3. Yuka-an at Gallery Okubo - Authentic Matcha in a Traditional Tea Room Setting
Hidden on the second floor of a century-old antiques shop, Yuka-an invites you to enjoy a refined matcha experience the easy way—you can relax in comfortable chair seating, eliminating the need for a formal floor-seated tea ceremony. Choose your favorite antique tea bowl from a curated collection, then savor freshly prepared matcha accompanied by delicate seasonal wagashi sweets. The elegant wooden interior and quiet atmosphere create a truly tranquil escape from the bustle of Tokyo streets. This is a lovely opportunity for visitors to taste authentic matcha in beautiful Japanese surroundings.
□Workshop Overview & Pricing:
Yuka-an offers intimate matcha workshops inside an authentic Japanese tea room (chair seating available).
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Matcha Course (Tea Ceremony): Observe the full preparation of matcha and enjoy it with a seasonal sweet (approx. 1 hour / ¥3,000 + tax per person).
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Wagashi-making + Matcha Workshop: Get hands-on crafting traditional wagashi, followed by matcha (approx. 1.5 hours / ¥5,000 + tax per person).
Sessions are held Wednesday to Sunday with limited group sizes. For reservations and the most current details, please refer to the official website.
💡Tip: We recommend visiting slightly outside peak hours to secure a seat, as afternoon sessions often fill up fast on weekends. For the best natural light and a quieter atmosphere, late morning visits (around 11:30 AM) are especially peaceful.
📍Address: 6-2-40 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map >
⏰Opening hours: 11am–6pm, closed Mon, Tue
👉Looking for More Experiences?
We are pleased to introduce other trusted service providers and workshops in or around Yanesen, covering a diverse range of cultural experiences such as calligraphy, origami, and various other traditional Japanese arts and crafts.
Every service provider we recommend adheres to our core principle of complete transparency. This ensures you can access and enjoy these authentic cultural experiences with confidence, knowing the prices are fair and straightforward, reflecting our policy: No Hidden Fees, Full Transparency.